West VirginiaUniversitys spring enrollment is slightly up from last years spring semester, and its an encouraging sign, says Brenda Thompson, assistant vice president for Enrollment Management and Services.

Spring enrollment on the main campus in Morgantown is up by nearly 445 students, or 2.1 percent, representing a total of 21,927 students as compared to 21,482 last spring. This years enrollment increase is due in part to a 6.4 percent increase in overall freshmen.

The number of freshmen enrolled for spring 2003 increased by 240, for a total of 4,011. There were 3,771 freshmen enrolled for classes last spring. The overall number of out-of-state students also increased, rising by 444 to 8,379, representing a 5.6 percent increase.

“WVU is continually strengthening its reputation as a high-quality academic institution with degrees that are globally respected,” WVU President David C. Hardesty Jr. said.”The continued upward trend in enrollment reflects that West Virginia students, in addition to out-of-state students, believe our comprehensive research institution is a place that will offer them the best opportunities and competitive advantages.”

Enrollment increased at two levels this spring: undergraduate enrollment rose by 471 students (3.1 percent) to 15,577, and first professional enrollment increased by 44 students (3.6 percent) to 1,269. Graduate enrollment decreased by 70 students (1.4 percent) to 5,081.

In-state residents make up 13,548 of the student total, or nearly 62 percent. Out-of-state student numbers are 7,935, or 5.6 percent increase. At, 20,255, resident enrollment increased almost 3 percent while non-resident enrollment decreased from 1,773 last year to 1,672 or 3.5 percent.

Graduate enrollment increased by about 3 percent, while first professional enrollment increased 3.6 percent.

Female and male students are about equally represented.

The overall percentage of minority students enrolled increased slightly at 869, a 5.3 percent increase.

Enrollment of international students (non-resident aliens) rose by 67 students, representing a total of 1,278, an increase of 5.5 percent.

WVU experienced a record-breaking fall 2002 enrollment with 23,492 students. More than 1,200 graduated in December, lowering the number of students continuing through the spring semester.